THE Bellemoor is an old favourite pub of mine being only stumbling distance from my house across the lovely Common on a summer's day.

But having had a bad experience last time we dined there, ie not actually getting any hot food before the kitchen closed, we returned with trepidation.

This time, thank goodness, the evening was superb from start to finish.

The staff remembered our plight from last time and were particularly kind and attentive.

We enjoyed drinks outside in the late afternoon sunshine before getting a little chilly and retiring indoors to a lovely big round table close to the space where a roaring fire sits in the winter months.

We started with a combo plate for four, which consisted of such delights as slices of Cumberland sausage, chicken goujons, potato crisps topped with cheese and potato wedges - accompanied by three yummy dips.

That would be quite enough for a lunchtime snack for all of us, but we were determined to plough on.

I tried a good old pub grub dish - cottage pie, tasty mincemeat topped with fluffy potatoes and served with a selection of seasonal vegetables.

My companions enjoyed a hearty mixed grill, which proved too much for all of us to finish, a well-cooked steak served with chips, vegetables and onion rings and a Hunter's Chicken, tender chicken breast with bacon topped with a tangy barbecue sauce.

The menu includes a surprising selection of main meals, not just your usual pub fare, lots of lovely sharing options for any time of day too.

And that's topped off with a great choice of wines by the glass or bottle and a selection of real ales on tap.

After reluctantly deciding we couldn't possibly manage a dessert or even the wonderful cheese board, we rounded off the evening with a stab at the Sunday night pub quiz.

I think we need a spot of practice before we are ready to scoop the cash prize, which is as good an excuse as any to come back again.

A meal for four, plus a round of drinks, came to around £40.

The Bellemoor Tavern, 250 Hill Lane, Southampton, SO15 7NU